Best of AUSTRALIA
The 5 Best Road Trips in Australia
Trace spectacular ocean roads, cruise deep into the red outback, and complete the legendary Big Lap.
Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Wollongong
Embark on an iconic coastal pilgrimage that stretches from the sprawling urban energy of Sydney to the lush, dairy-pastured hills of Nowra. This journey is a masterclass in Australian coastal geography, weaving through the world's second-oldest national park, traversing the architectural marvel of the Sea Cliff Bridge, and tracing the dramatic Illawarra Escarpment. As you navigate the winding bitumen, you will witness the transition from the rugged sandstone cliffs of the Royal National Park to the golden sands of Wollongong and the historic charm of rural townships like Berry. This route isn't just about the destination; it’s about the sensory experience of the salt air, the roar of the Tasman Sea, and the shifting light over the Pacific Ocean. Whether you are chasing the adrenaline of hang gliding at Stanwell Tops or the quiet serenity of a rainforest walk, the Grand Pacific Drive offers a multi-layered narrative of nature, engineering, and Australian culture. It is a road trip designed for those who find beauty in the horizon and adventure in every curve of the road, providing a comprehensive look at the South Coast's most breathtaking vistas and hidden treasures.
“Start your journey at sunrise to witness the first light hitting the cliffs of the Royal National Park; the colors are ethereal.”
Grand Pacific South: Sea Cliff Bridge Trail
Embark on an epic 280-kilometer journey from the bustling metropolis of Sydney to the serene, oyster-rich waters of Batemans Bay. This route, encompassing the legendary Grand Pacific Drive, takes you over the gravity-defying Sea Cliff Bridge, through the ancient rainforests of the Royal National Park, and along the whitest sands in the world at Jervis Bay. It is a sensory odyssey defined by the rhythmic crash of the Tasman Sea, the aromatic scent of salt-drenched eucalyptus, and the laid-back charm of New South Wales' coastal hamlets.
“Start your journey before 7:00 AM to avoid the Sydney exit traffic and catch the morning light hitting the Sea Cliff Bridge.”
Indian Ocean South: Shipwrecks & Dolphins
A breathtaking coastal journey starting from the historic port of Fremantle, winding through the maritime history of Coogee, the dolphin-rich waters of Rockingham, and culminating in the serene, canal-laced waterways of Mandurah. This route is a masterclass in Western Australian coastal beauty, blending industrial maritime heritage with pristine marine sanctuaries.
“Always check the weather and swell reports before heading to the Coogee Maritime Trail; if the wind is blowing from the west, the visibility underwater will be significantly reduced.”
Legendary Pacific Coast: Sydney to Brisbane
An epic 900km odyssey connecting Australia's two greatest East Coast hubs via a tapestry of sun-drenched beaches, emerald rainforests, and charming surf towns.
“Avoid driving during dawn or dusk when kangaroos and wallabies are most active near the roadside.”
Mornington Peninsula: Bays & Back Beaches
A journey from the urban fringes of Frankston to the historic, limestone-cliffed village of Sorrento, exploring the duality of the calm Port Phillip Bay waters and the wild, untamed surf of the Bass Strait.
“Avoid the Nepean Highway during peak summer weekends; take the inland Mornington-Flinders Road for a more scenic and less congested drive.”